Nasscom Foundation, HP to launch mobile classrooms

Nasscom Foundation and HP have joined forces to propel government of India's National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) by donating five mobile container classrooms, the partners announced on Thursday.

The shipping containers converted into mobile classrooms will be deployed in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru and Rajasthan with the capacity to train 6,000 beneficiaries on digital literacy and Hewlett Packard (HP) Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (LIFE), Nasscom Foundation and HP said in a statement.

"With this partnership, we aim to support government's National Digital Literacy Mission by setting up five centres across India to empower learners with digital literacy, entrepreneurial and vocational skills," said Neelam Dhawan, managing director, HP (India).

The cloud enabled and readily deployable shipping container classrooms will be equipped with technology, products, internet and HP LIFE e-learning solutions.

"Nasscom Foundation is attempting to close the digital divide by helping individuals harness the power of smart devices like computers and mobile phones and fully enjoy the benefits that come along with the Government's Digital India initiative," said Ganesh Natarajan, chairman, Nasscom Foundation.

The 40 foot X 9 foot container classrooms come with a host of benefits.

Once the beneficiaries around an area where the mobile classroom is located get trained, it can be moved to a new location to offer these benefits to a new set of people in need, the statement said.

The financial burden of construction and real estate associated with a brick and mortar classroom are done away with in this portable format.

HP will facilitate the training infrastructure cost, trainer's cost and other operational expenses of the learning centre, the statement added.

The initiative focuses on helping people living in economically backward areas to become skilled in availing the benefits offered by the social media, e-commerce, internet and others and get business and vocational training.